Monday, November 27, 2017
5 ways to succeed in a male dominated workplace
5 ways to succeed in a male dominated workplace
She has just been placed in a small manufacturing firm, as an associate manager-production. On her first day at the office, the first thought that strikes her is: "Is manufacturing really my cup of tea?" With labourers operating their machines around her and a production manager sitting right across her to explain the plan of operation and the schedule of production, she feels ambivalent. Not that she lacks interest, but she knows somewhere that male-dominated industries pose serious challenges for a womans career progression. She suddenly remembers those peppy words by Marilyn Monroe: "I dont mind living in a mans world as long as I can be a woman in it."
According to research by Catalyst, an NGO focusing on expanding business opportunities for women, talent management systems are often susceptible to pro-male biases that expectedly result in smaller and less varied employee pools. The lesser the diversity (read the lesser the females), the more stereotypical it gets. This is the reason why women may find progressing and outpacing in these industries can be riddled with hurdles.
It is not very hard to enter a male-dominated profession, but its tougher to survive in there. Among other obstacles, many women struggle with pre-set notions that certain jobs demand skillsets that are linked to masculinity.
To inject some positivity here, lets take a look at 5 ways that women can come into their own in any profession.
Self-analysis
Career development is a continuous process that starts with self-assessment. This critical first step is the foundation step for personal and professional personality development. A routine self-assessment helps keeps an individual informed about her strengths and weaknesses at varied stages of life. A comprehensive self-analysis would include doing the SWIPE test, which helps you analyse four core elements of your personality— strengths, weakness, interests, potential development and emotional quotient. Examining these four areas will help you understand your personality in distinct spheres, so you know which parts of your life need further development and which attributes play to your strengths.
Networking
According to Adam Small, CEO of Strategic Business Network, "Networking is the single most powerful marketing tactic to accelerate and sustain success for any individual or organization." It is a powerful tool if you do it the right way and with the right people in your industry. However, according to a study published in the Harvard Business Review women are often unable to exploit the power of their connections despite their sociability. For women to benefit through networking, they need to engage in interactions that include exchanges about their skills, talents, and potential development. When looking for groups to network with, give preference to those whose members are well-connected over groups that are simply large or well-publicised. Collaboration is the key.
Promote your own self
Be your own "man"! Speak for yourself. Got a new idea or a cost-saving suggestion? Put it on the table. Women have a tendency to underestimate their own performance, especially when they find themselves in a minority, but confidence is a must. So, pave that track with blazing confidence and remember that its perfectly alright to be wrong or fail sometimes. Just dont dwell on it. Also acknowledge the fact that people around you will, whether intentionally or unknowingly, underestimate you. There will be times when you will be your only cheerleader. Manage what you can, work hard, follow your gut, stay true at heart and be rational, and things will fall in place.
Research bears out that women who are more aggressive and assertive when the situation calls for it are more likely to be promoted.
Beware of stereotypes
"Its not done that way", "You are new in this field so you probably you dont know"... No! Do not let these kind of statements give you an inferiority complex. Be prepared to assert yourself at all times. This does not mean being rude or uncooperative, but having the confidence to stand your ground and defend your convictions. Success has traditionally been considered acceptable for women only if its in a field that is judged as appropriate for them and is viewed as off-limits in fields that are male-dominated. You need to fight those conventions.
Find a mentor
Many women must have walked the same path as you and have figured out how to overcome the obstacles along the way. Instead of simply winging it and risking more mistakes, approach them for their guidance. Connect with one or two women you admire and seek their advice when needed. If you do not know of someone directly, use social websites to connect with people in similar fields.
Just remember that there are many successful women out there and most of them are proof that being hardworking, resolute, smart and thick-skinned in the face of critical reviews at their work; have enabled them to rise to the top, with or without familial support. Go on girl! You can be a hero too!
Source: Times of India
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